Which is More Important? Artist or Producer or Neither?

T.Cruz
Sep 6, 2016
3 min read

When we talk about Hip-Hop, the credit isn’t solely given to the artist, and if so, shame on you! But no worries, I’ve got you covered! The production aspect of a song is essential for the artist which allows the artist to become part of the track. Not only is the artist important but production plays a huge roll in what the audience hears. Producers like Kanye West, J Dilla, 9th wonder, Rick Rubin, Dr. Dre, Q-Tip, and Pharell are amongst the few on the list of greatest. Each producer has an individual sound-like personality that can quickly be heard the minute the track is played. With Kanye and his samples, to Q-Tip and his abstract sounds; each producer has their personal sound they aim for. So let’s study a couple producers to help you get an idea of their importance.

The art of production is far from easy. It takes a certain ear and sound to create legendary songs. Kanye West was taken under the wing of another Chi-town producer known as No i.D. West continued producing under for Roc-A-Fella Records, composing some of Jay-Z’s top tracks like ‘Heart of The City.’ Kanye West is well recognized for taking classic blues and soul tunes from the 70’s through the 80’s and sampling them over a thick 808 sound. What do I mean? Of course, let me show you! Let’s take a classic 1975 song by The Main Ingredient called ‘Let Me Prove My Love To You.'

Cool right? If you didn’t catch the sample don’t worry I’ve got your back! Remember? This song has a very soulful flair with the vocalist harmonizing over the keys bringing it back to the 50’s harmonies that were very popular. Fast forward to 1:43 and you’ll hear a very familiar melody. As a production genius, Kanye West took songs similar to these and heard its potential to becoming yet another classic. With looping the sample and adding an underlying drum, it gave the beat what it needed. Now with the touch of a soulful artist, the song comes alive making it 'You Don’t Know My Name' by Alicia Keys.

Then you have artist/Producer’s like Q-Tip who look at music as a painting. He hears samples of all types, with funky rhythms including horns and drum’s that allow the beat to be abstract, funky and lyrically dominant. Tip played the role of producer in the rap group A Tribe Called Quest. While being behind the mastermind of a beat he was able to create a sound that was relatable to them as a group. A Tribe Called Quest is known for having a very distinct sound, especially in a time that was dominantly street rappers. With Tip giving them funky beats the group added complex lyricism that made both production and lyrical content stand out. So let’s break down one of Tip’s songs.

Tip has a unique sound that has very specified ideas.

Let’s take 3 songs:

Smilin' Billy Suite Pt. II - The Heath Brothers (1975)
Come In Out Of The Rain- Parliament (1982)
One Love - Whodini (1986)

While this example has many segments, some samples may be easier or harder to hear. Tip took fragments of each song to recreate something so soothing to our ears. Tip took the playful melody from ‘Smilin’ Billy Suite pt. II’ by The Heath Brothers. Knowing the beat needs some drums, he sped up the drums from ‘Come in Out of The Rain’ by Parliament. Lastly yet quite essential, he added some vocals to the hook from Whodini's ‘One Love.’ All those elements compressed gave us Nas ‘One Love.’

Beginning with his energy in the studio, It’s hard to watch this video without feeling some type of good. Ryan Leslie shows here how production in the studio can take up too many hours however, can also be a dope vibe. Ryan Leslie uses real instrumentation for the Bongo’s and Piano melody. He plays with sounds on his synthesizer that allows him to add personality to the beat. He then adds his own vocals creating his own personal sound from scratch. Ryan Leslie's 'Addiction' Ft. Cassie and Fabolous was his second single from his self titled album.

Now that you have some fundamental ideas, the fun begins. As I listen to music I play games like ‘Find The Sample!’ or ‘Who’s the Producer? Anything audible takes time, patience and many listens to fully comprehend the thoughts and ideas. I’ve added a few of my favorite studio sessions from influential artists/producers.

Told you I had your back!